International Shipping Container
If you're moving internationally then you will probably be working with an international shipping company that specializes in exporting household goods. Chances are you will be utilizing a 20' or 40' sea container or a combination of the two sizes (See Container Specifications). Packing and loading these containers is a daunting task and requires a great deal of expertise to correctly utilize the available space and secure the items. The most important thing to remember is that your household goods will be shipped thousands of miles over sea and land. During the trip the container will be handled by cranes and trucks designed to move freight, not necessarily household goods. To ensure that your items arrive safely a great deal of care will be taken to pack and load the entire shipment properly.
Moving Tips for Loading and Unloading International Containers
Loading and unloading an international container is much different than a moving truck or storage container. Let's review some of the most important international container moving tips:
- Live Load/Unload
- Nearly all international containers will be a "live" load or unload. This means that the container will remain on the truck and the driver will wait while your household items are loaded or unloaded. Most shipping companies will only allow two hours for this process before they begin charging additional fees. It is imperative that you hire at least three movers.
- Be prepared!
- Most people do not understand how much work is involved to load or unload an international container. Considering the time constraints and that a ramp is rarely provided, you should never hire less than three movers for an international container. Depending on the size and type of move (e.g. load or unload), it's in your best interest to hire more movers than less.
- Do I need to rent a ramp?
- You are strongly encouraged to rent a loading ramp for your container.
- Can you load my vehicle?
- We cannot, but a local towing company can.